What the recycling symbols on your plastic rubbish actually mean

Have you ever stopped to think about what those weird and wonderful symbols on your plastic packaging really mean?

We've all seen them before - a triangle with an arrow, a chasing arrows logo, or a little person in a circle. But do we know the stories behind these recycling symbols? We dug in to find out.

The Recycling Symbol Breakdown

• The "chasing arrows" symbol is probably the most well-known recycling symbol. It means that the plastic can be recycled, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee that it will be.
• The triangle with an arrow indicates that the plastic should be taken to a special facility for processing. Don't try to put these plastics in your regular curbside bin!
• The "not recyclable" symbol is exactly what it says on the tin - don't bother trying to recycle these ones.

And then there's the little person in a circle, which might leave you wondering what on earth they're doing there. Unfortunately, this one doesn't have a universally accepted definition yet. But it's generally thought to mean that the product is made from recycled materials or is itself recyclable.

The Hidden Truth Behind Your Plastic

While these symbols might seem like a good starting point for making eco-friendly choices, they're not always as straightforward as you'd think. For example, some plastics with a recycling symbol can actually end up in the landfill if there aren't enough facilities to process them.

So what's a consumer to do? Start by educating yourself on the types of plastic that are commonly accepted at your local recycling facility. You might also consider reducing your use of single-use plastics, or choosing products with minimal packaging.

Take Your Sustainability to the Next Level

• Brighten up your car interior with our wireless LED light - it's a great way to reduce energy consumption and make your driving experience more enjoyable.
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  We'd love to hear your thoughts: what do you think about the recycling symbols on plastic packaging? Let us know in the comments below!